Winery News & Accolades
News
Forbes interviews Founder Jim Bernau in the article, "Willamette Valley Vineyards: How An Innovative Financial Strategy Fuels Dramatic Growth."
The Oregonian shares an exclusive on the "Sparkling Wine Oasis" at Bernau Estate in the Dundee Hills.
FOX 12 Oregon interviews Winery Director Christine Clair about our new state-of-the-art UV light filtration in the tasting room to reduce harmful microorganisms like germs, bacteria and viruses.
Founder Jim Bernau and Justin King of King Estate Winery accepts the Innovator of the Year award for Oregon Solidarity at the Wine Enthusiast Wine Star Awards.
Founder Jim Bernau was quoted in the Portland Business Journal article titled, "California-made Oregon pinots: Are they real?"
The Oregonian announces a collaboration between Willamette Valley Vineyards and other Oregon wineries to create Oregon Solidarity wines.
The Mail Tribune covers the rally to save Rogue Valley grapes for the 2018 harvest (includes video).
WVV named a "Detour Worth Taking" by Los Angeles Times.
Willamette Valley named Region of the Year by Wine Enthusiast.
Founder Jim Bernau Nominated for "Person of the Year" by Wine Enthusiast.
Wine Enthusiast named WVV as having one of America's Best Value Pinot Noirs.
Groundbreaking for Elton Winery draws more than 500 Wine Enthusiasts.
Bill Fuller returns to winemaking.
Accolades
#1 Best Winery to Visit in Oregon
2020 100 Best Fan-Favorite Destination
Oregon Business Magazine
Willamette Valley Vineyards was named a 100 Best Fan-Favorite Destination in Oregon for 2019 and 2020
Oregon Business Magazine gathered ratings from the most widely used online review sites such as Google, TripAdvisor and Yelp, then tallied and combined them to determine the level of traveler's overall satisfaction with a business. More than 80,000 reviews were analyzed! The scores were then ranked to create the 100 Best Fan-Favorite Destinations list.
2018 Top Travel Pick
Northwest Travel & Life Magazine 2018
Willamette Valley Vineyards was named “2018 Top Travel Pick” by Northwest Travel & Life Magazine.
"Just south of Salem, Oregon, Willamette Valley Vineyards has everything you need for a romantic fall wine getaway. Perched on a hill above the vineyards, the tasting room, dining room and guest suites — not to mention the cellar rich with the aromas of the fresh harvest and oak barrels — all have a view of the vineyards ablaze with fall colors and the broad valley below. The Willamette Valley Vineyards story is one of passion for the vineyards and fine wines coupled with environmental and community stewardship. Since founding it in 1983, Jim Bernau has developed Willamette Valley Vineyards into one of the best producers of pinot noir in the country."
2018 Trip Advisor Hall of Fame
Trip Advisor
Willamette Valley Vineyards was included in the 2018 TripAdvisor Excellence Hall of Fame.
The Certificate of Excellence award celebrates excellence in hospitality and service. It is given only to establishments that consistently achieve great Trip Advisor reviews. We're honored to be included in the 2018 TripAdvisor Excellence Hall of Fame for having won the Certificate of Excellence 5+ years in a row.
Oregon's Most Admired Companies
Portland Business Journal 2018
Willamette Valley Vineyards was named among the top 20 Most Admired Companies in Oregon.
This pretigious recognition is the result of a survey sent to more than 5,000 CEOs evaluating more than 400 companies in Oregon to determine the Most Admired Companies in our region. The awards highlight a short list of companies who have made an impact on our communities with their proficient marketing, financial impact and extensive stature.
Best Vineyard/Tasting Room
Sunset Magazine, Travel Awards 2016 - Winner
Sunset Magazine, Travel Awards 2018 - Finalist
Sunset Magazine, Travel Awards 2019 - Finalist
Willamette Valley Vineyards was named “Best Vineyard/Tasting Room” by Sunset Magazine.
2011 Winery of the Year
Wine & Spirits Magazine
Willamette Valley Vineyards was named “2011 Winery of the Year” by Wine & Spirits Magazine.
“Each year, our panels and critics blind taste more than 10,000 wines, selecting the best for recommendation in the magazine. Our 'Top 100 Wineries of the Year Award' highlight brands with a range of wines our critics have scored at the top of their categories. Willamette Valley Vineyards’ performance makes it a great ambassador for wines of Oregon.”
2011 Oregon Winery of the Year
WINE PRESS NORTHWEST MAGAZINE
Willamette Valley Vineyards was named "2011 Oregon Winery of the Year” by Wine Press Northwest.
Andy Perdue, Editor-in-chief, states, “With over 350 possible candidates in Oregon, we make sure we are careful in our selection and that the winery is worth the award. This was an easy decision this year as Willamette Valley Vineyards has been a leader in the industry for decades with their sustainability efforts and high quality Pinot Noir.”
Wine Scores & Awards
PINOT NOIR
ESTATE PINOT NOIR
- 2019: 90pts - wine.com
- 2018: 91pts - Vinous
- 2017: 90pts - Wine Spectator
- 2017: 90pts - Wine Enthusiast
- 2016: GOLD - Cascadia Int'l Wine Competition
- 2016: 92pts - Wine Spectator
- 2016: GOLD - San Francisco Chronicle
- 2016: 91pts & GOLD MEDAL - San Francisco Int'l Wine Competition
- 2016: 92pts - Wine Advocate
- 2016: 90pts - Wine Enthusiast
- 2015: 93pts & GOLD MEDAL "Exceptional" - Tastings
- 2015: 91pts - Wine Spectator
- 2015: 95pts & DOUBLE GOLD - San Francisco Int’l Wine Competition
- 2014: Best of Show - Portland Seafood & Wine Fest
- 2013: 90pts - Wine Enthusiast
- 2012: 93pts - Wine & Spirits Magazine
- 2011: 90pts - Beverage Dynamics
BERNAU BLOCK PINOT NOIR
- 2018: 91pts - Wine Enthusiast
- 2018: Gold Medal - Savor Northwest
- 2017: 92pts - Vinous
- 2017: 91pts - Wine Enthusiast
- 2016: 93pts - James Suckling
- 2015: GOLD - Savor NW
- 2015: 92pts - Vinous
- 2015: 91pts - Wine Spectator
- 2014: 91pts - Wine Enthusiast
- 2013: 91pts - Vinous
- 2013: 91pts/Cellar Selection - Wine Enthusiast
- 2012: 90pts/Cellar Selection - Wine Enthusiast
- 2012: GOLD - Oregon Wine Awards
- 2010: 91pts - Stephen Tanzer’s Int’l Wine Cellar
ELTON PINOT NOIR
- 2017: 93pts - Vinous
- 2017: 90pts - Wine Enthusiast
- 2015: 91pts & GOLD - Tastings
- 2013: 93pts - Int’l Wine Report
- 2012: 91pts - Wine Spectator
- 2011: 90pts - Wine Advocate
- 2010: 92pts - Stephen Tanzer’s Int’l Wine Cellar
- 2010: 91pts - Wine Advocate
- 2009: 91pts/Cellar Selection - Wine Enthusiast
- 2009: 90pts - Wine Advocate
- 2008: 91pts - Wine Advocate
TUALATIN ESTATE PINOT NOIR
- 2018: 91pts - Wine Enthusiast
- 2017: 92pts - Vinous
- 2017: 93pts & Best Pinot Noir - American Wine Society
- 2016: 92pts - Washington Wine Blog
- 2015: Platinum, Wine Press Northwest 19th Annual Platinum Competition
- 2015: 90pts - Wine Advocate
- 2015: 94pts & Gold/Cellar Selection - Tastings
- 2015: 91pts - Vinous
- 2015: 92pts - Wine Spectator
- 2014: 90pts - Wine Enthusiast
- 2013: 91pts - Wine Spectator
- 2012: 92pts - Tasting Panel
- 2011: 91pts - Beverage Dynamics
- 2011: 89pts - Wine Spectator
- 2010: 92pts - PinotReport
- 2010: 90pts - Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar
- 2018: 90pts - Wine Enthusiast
- 2016: 93pts - James Suckling
- 2016: 94pts - Wine & Spirits
- 2012: 92pts - Wine Advocate
- 2008: 94pts - Wine Advocate
FULLER PINOT NOIR
- 2018: 93pts - Wine Enthusiast
- 2016: 92pts - Wine Enthusiast
- 2012: 94pts - Tasting Panel
- 2012: 90pts - Wine Advocate
- 2008: 92pts - Wine Advocate
- 2008: DOUBLE GOLD - Oregon Wine Awards
HANNAH PINOT NOIR
- 2018: 90pts - Wine Enthusiast
- 2015: 90pts - Wine Enthusiast
- 2015: 92pts - Vinous
- 2014: 91pts - Wine Enthusiast
- 2013: 91pts - Wine Enthusiast
- 2012: 90pts - Burghound
- 2010: 92pts - Wine Advocate
- 2010: 91pts - Stephen Tanzer’s Int’l Wine Cellar
VINTAGE 43 PINOT NOIR
- 2016: 91pts - Wine Advocate
VINTAGE 45 PINOT NOIR
- 2018: 92 pts - Wine Enthusiast
SIGNATURE CUVÉE PINOT NOIR
- 2017: 94pts & Double Gold Medal - Savor Northwest
- 2013: 92pts - Wine Enthusiast
- 2013: 91pts - Wine Spectator
- 2012: 91pts - Wine Enthusiast
- 2010: 91pts - PinotReport
- 2010: 90pts - Wine Advocate
- 2010: 90pts - Stephen Tanzer’s Int’l Wine Cellar
FOUNDERS’ RESERVE PINOT NOIR
- 2019: 90pts - Wine Enthusiast
- 2017: 91pts & GOLD MEDAL - Tastings World Wine Championships
- 2016: 92pts - Wine & Spirits
- 2008: 91pts - Wine Spectator
- 2008: 90pts - Wine Enthusiast
WHOLE CLUSTER PINOT NOIR
- 2020: 91pts & Editors' Choice - Wine Enthusiast
- 2019: 91pts & Editors' Choice - Wine Enthusiast
- 2018: 91pts & Editors' Choice - Wine Enthusiast
- 2017: 91pts & Editors' Choice - Wine Enthusiast
- 2015: 90pts - Vinous
- 2015: 90pts & Editors' Choice - Wine Enthusiast
- 2014: 90pts - Wine Enthusiast
- 2013: Best Buy - Wine Enthusiast
- 2012: 92pts - PinotReport
- 2010: 90pts - Stephen Tanzer’s Int’l Wine Cellar
WHITES & ROSÉ
ESTATE CHARDONNAY
-
2019: 90pts - Wine & Spirits
-
2018: 90pts - Wine Enthusiast
-
2017: 91pts - James Suckling
- 2017: 91pts & GOLD - Savor NW
- 2016: 93pts - Wine Advocate
- 2015: 90pts - Wine Advocate
- 2015: 91pts - Wine Enthusiast
- 2014: 90pts & Editors' Choice - Wine Enthusiast
- 2012: 90pts - Tasting Panel
- 2010: GOLD - Oregon Wine Awards
BERNAU BLOCK CHARDONNAY
- 2018: Gold Medal - Savor Northwest
PINOT GRIS
- 2020: 91 points & Gold Medal - Sunset International Wine Competition
- 2019: 90pts - Wine Enthusiast
- 2018: 90pts - Wine Enthusiast
- 2018: 91pts - American Wine Society
- 2016: 91pts & Editors' Choice - Wine Enthusiast
- 2015: 90pts & Editors' Choice - Wine Enthusiast
- 2013: GOLD - San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
- 2011: DOUBLE GOLD - American Wine Society
- 2011: GOLD - San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
- 2011: DOUBLE GOLD - American Wine Society
- 2010: DOUBLE GOLD/BEST OF SHOW - Indy International
- 2009: GOLD - The Dallas Morning News & Texsom
WHOLE CLUSTER ROSÉ OF PINOT NOIR
- 2020: 90pts - Wine & Spirits Magazine
- 2019: 90pts & Editors' Choice - Wine Enthusiast
- 2018: 90pts & Editors' Choice - Wine Enthusiast
- 2017: 90pts & Year's Best Rosé - Wine & Spirits Magazine
- 2017: 92pts & Best Buy - Wine Spectator
- 2017: 93pts & 5 stars - Beverage Dynamics
- 2017: 90pts & Editors' Choice - Wine Enthusiast
- 2017: 91pts - Blue Lifestyle
- 2016: 91pts & Gold - San Francisco International Wine Competition
- 2015: 90pts & Editors' Choice - Wine Enthusiast
- 2015: 91pts - International Wine Review
MÉTHODE CHAMPENOISE BRUT
- 2017: Platinum Medal & "Best Sparkling of the Northwest" - Sip Magazine
- 2016: 93pts, DOUBLE GOLD - American Wine Society
- 2016: DOUBLE GOLD - Sip Northwest Magazine
- 2016: 90pts - Wine Enthusiast
- 2016: 90pts & Year's Best Summer Sparkling - Wine & Spirits Magazine
- 2015: 92pts, GOLD & Best of Show - American Wine Society
- 2015: 92pts - Wine Advocate
- 2015: 91pts, GOLD & Exceptional - Tastings
- 2015: DOUBLE GOLD - Cascadia International Wine Competition
- 2014: 92pts - Wine Spectator
- 2014: 93pts - Wine & Spirits
DIJON CLONE CHARDONNAY
- 2018: 90pts - Wine & Spirits
- 2017: 91pts & Editors' Choice - Wine Enthusiast
- 2016: 92pts - Washington Wine Blog
- 2013: Year's Best U.S. Chardonnay - Wine & Spirits
- 2012: 90pts - Wine Enthusiast
- 2008: 91pts - Tasting Panel
- 2008: Excellent - Wine Press Northwest
RIESLING
- 2019: 91pts & Best Buy - Wine Enthusiast
- 2018: 90pts & Best Buy - Wine Enthusiast
- 2014: 90pts & Best Value - Wine Spectator
- 2012: GOLD - Portland Seafood & Wine Festival
- 2011: DOUBLE GOLD - San Francisco Chronicle
- 2010: 90pts & Best Buy - Wine Enthusiast
- 2009: DOUBLE GOLD/BEST OF SHOW - Indy International
- 2009: BEST OF SHOW - Portland Seafood & Wine
Willamette Valley Vineyards has grown from a bold idea into one of the region’s leading wineries, earning the title “One of America’s Great Pinot Noir Producers” from Wine Enthusiast Magazine.
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